According to the National Federation for the Blind, there are over 700 known causes of vision loss. Vision loss can be devastating at any age, imagine losing your sight after a lifetime of being able to see; no longer able to focus the eyes or even having areas of vision blocked or totally lost. Loss of vision has an incredible effect on those who have had sight. The tragedy of losing the ability to read and see can significantly reduce one’s level of independence and confidence while also causing fear and depression. Those who are experiencing changes or loss of vision will often become recluse and must depend on others for the very basic of needs. With proper information and training there are opportunities and devices out there that will provide assistance to help us learn to live and adapt to the disability. Finding these products can be a challenge, especially with vision difficulty. We all know about the basic aids for the blind and we naturally think of, guide dogs, red tipped canes, Braille and large print books as well as various magnification implements. Few people know that there are many other items that have been developed to aid those whose have been diagnosed with vision conditions that cause reduction or distortion. Talking watches, books on disc, talking scales and thermometers are all devices which also give the visually impaired the ability to function independently. In today’s world, we need so much more to allow the visually impaired to maintain a career, experience life in the world of business and continue to live a full and independent life. Fortunately, constant progression of technology is providing new and improved programs and devices, to provide assistance to the visually impaired person in the use of computers.

One of the most unique and useful devices available is the Max Digital Video Magnifier. This is a completely portable device which is designed to connect to most televisions, the Max Digital Video Magnifier allows the viewer to see an image magnified up to 30x on a 30’” T.V. Magnification indicates the number of times larger the image will appear as opposed to the naked eye. Using this handheld device, which is designed to work with a flat or curved surface will allow an image to be projected onto virtually any T.V. Screen. Max Digital Video Magnifier provides digital magnification in full color from 15 to 30 times with multiple options of contrast including the negative contrast which is useful to those who suffer from Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration, allowing the eye to focus easier, due to a reduction in the amount of light entering the lenses.

The Max Digital Video Magnifier will provide those with significant vision loss the ability to once again look at those family photos, read the articles and books that interest them, read food and beverage labels, medicine bottle labels and identify coins and paper money. This device could give back a small portion of independence and self reliance to the person suffering from vision loss. What a wonderful gift idea.